On this episode of the RunThrough Trails podcast, we’re joined by Francesco Puppi, one of the best trail running athletes on earth and the recent champion of CCC.

Francesco shares why the process of running matters more to him than the final outcome and how external success doesn’t always reflect how an athlete truly feels. He opens up about staying motivated through a genuine love for the sport rather than outside validation, and the essential role mental resilience plays in getting through tough training blocks and race moments.

Francesco reflects on how experience has shaped his understanding of his own limits and how it guides his approach to training. He talks about the importance of versatility across different distances to keep training exciting, as well as the need for a holistic approach that balances running with the rest of life. With his sights set on Western States, he also discusses the unique mental challenges of ultra running and the mindset required to overcome them.

In this episode of the RunThrough podcast, trail running legend Ryan Sandes joins the show to share his journey from rugby player to world-renowned ultra athlete. Ryan talks about how an impulsive decision to run his first marathon sparked a career built on adventure and exploration. He reflects on how trail running has evolved over the years and why the sport’s adventurous spirit continues to drive him.

Hosted by James Tilley, the conversation dives into Ryan’s biggest undertakings, including the prestigious Drakensberg Grand Traverse in South Africa, his life-changing expedition on the Great Himalaya Trail, and his recent push at the Cocodona 250, which challenged him in new ways.

Ryan also explains why long-term sponsor relationships matter, why downtime and recovery are essential after big efforts, and how Southern Africa still holds countless unexplored routes and future adventures.

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, James Tilley and Gemma Hiller-Moses catch up for an honest conversation about all things trail running, from training and recovery to racing and staying motivated. They share personal updates about their own running journeys, the highs and lows of consistency, and how they keep their love for the sport strong.

Gemma talks about the importance of finding joy in the process, creating training plans that actually work for you, and trusting your body, while James reflects on his goals, routines, and how recovery can sometimes be the key to progress. As they discuss the ups and downs of training, they emphasise that you can't take recovery for granted, rest is sometimes the best option, and taking action is what gives you motivation. Together, they explore the mental and physical challenges that come with running and why it’s not just about the miles, but about mindset, balance, and purpose.

They also chat about James’ favourite RunThrough Trails European events, offering inspiration for where you should race in 2026, and preview his exciting upcoming race in the USA, where he’s got his sights set firmly on the win.

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with elite trail runner Naomi Lang to explore her journey from growing up in the Scottish hills to competing on the world stage. Naomi shares how her love for the outdoors shaped her running career, her transition from track and cross country to trail and hill running, and what it’s like to represent Great Britain at the World Championships and take on the Marathon du Mont Blanc, finishing third on the podium in both.

She opens up about training techniques, mastering downhill running, and joining the Salomon team, which marked a major step in her professional journey. Naomi also reflects on the mental side of competition, how she stays calm under pressure and finds confidence in her preparation, and how the sport continues to push her to new levels.

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with Danny Stokes from TrailFam, a charity using the power of trail running to change young lives.

Danny shares his own journey into the sport, from tackling a triathlon with his brother to discovering trail running through YouTube and falling in love with the mountains. He opens up about how trail running transformed his lifestyle, and how the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic inspired the creation of TrailFam.

From humble beginnings as an after-school club, TrailFam has grown into a thriving charity dedicated to improving the physical health, mental wellbeing, and future opportunities of young people. Danny and James explore the importance of community, the benefits of connecting with nature, and the role diversity plays in making trail running more accessible to all.

Whether it’s through their race team giving young athletes the chance to compete, or by creating a safe and supportive space for kids to thrive, TrailFam is proof that running can be a powerful tool for change.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about sport, community, and the next generation of trail runners.

🎙️ RunThrough Trails Podcast | Episode 33

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails podcast, host James Tilley sits down with professional Brooks trail runner Anna Gibson. Growing up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Anna competed as a track athlete before moving into trail running, while also excelling in other disciplines such as skiing and cycling. Her diverse athletic background has shaped her training philosophy, emphasising the importance of cross training and adaptability.

With the World Championships in Canfranc, Spain on the horizon, Anna talks about her preparation and the mental strategies that keep her sharp on race day. From exploring unique race formats to reflecting on the exciting growth of trail running as a professional sport, this conversation highlights Anna’s journey as a versatile athlete and her passion for competition.

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James Tilley - https://www.instagram.com/jtrunstrails/

Anna Gibson - https://www.instagram.com/annaagibsonn/

🎙️ RunThrough Trails Podcast | Episode 32

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with Gemma Hillier-Moses to reflect on her journey to and through CCC at UTMB, her 100K debut!

Gemma opens up about the challenges of injury recovery, adapting her training to the mountains (and living in a van) and the mental strategies that helped her tackle one of the toughest trail races on the calendar. She shares the highs and lows of race day, from unpredictable weather to fueling strategies, and the lessons learned along the way.

Beyond the race itself, Gemma talks about the value of learning from fellow elite athletes at the HOKA training camp and how endurance sport has shaped her both as an athlete and as a person. Despite setbacks, her performance at CCC stands as a huge milestone in her career, and she looks ahead with excitement to returning stronger in the future.

🎙️ RunThrough Trails Podcast | Episode 31

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with professional trail runner Dani Moreno of adidas TERREX.

Dani shares her journey from childhood football player to professional athlete, the challenges of transitioning to full-time running, and the lessons she’s learned through injury and recovery. She opens up about her recent experience at the OCC and what it means to step up to the CCC, while also reflecting on the role of coaching, pacing strategy, and team dynamics in her success.

📌 Key Takeaways:

From football roots to professional trail running

How her parents shaped her work ethic & financial mindset

The leap from tech job to full-time athlete

Managing injuries as part of the athlete journey

Conservative race strategies & pacing insights

Stepping up from OCC ➝ CCC

Coaching, team support & community impact

Dani’s own podcasting journey & future goals

🎧 Subscribe to the RunThrough Trails Podcast for more conversations with trail athletes, coaches, and adventurers.